02 November 2023

How durable are concrete coatings?

Are concrete coatings durable? The short answer is: yes! When applied correctly, concrete coatings offer greater strength and wear than regular concrete alone. Read on to find out why.

Coating concrete using the Dulux Avista Resurfacing System builds tough a new surface with greater compressive strength and abrasion resistance. So resurfacing is not just cheaper, faster and more planet-friendly than a full concrete rip-up and re-lay for driveway repair, it’s also the longer lasting choice.

Why resurfaced concrete coatings are extra strong

The durability of concrete coatings is the result of increased compressive strength. Compressive strength is measured by applying force to fully cured concrete to identify the point it will crush. As per Australian Standards (AS1379), 'normal' class concrete for residential use has an average strength of 17 to 20 MPa (Mega Pascal).

Dulux Avista Technical and Training Manager, Chris Murphy, explains why resurfacing is such a hard-wearing solution, “Concrete typically sets at 20 MPa, while Dulux Avista Resurfacing Compound will set at 40-50 MPa when applied and cured correctly. That’s twice the strength of most residential concrete.”

“It also has superior abrasive wear versus paint,” Chris continues. “Unlike paints or sealers that are applied at 0.40mm thickness, the resurfacing compound is applied to 3mm thickness, creating a durable new surface that can handle tyre traffic, knocks and scrapes without flaking or peeling. It wears extremely well.”

Before - This rural driveway was covered in a network of fine cracks and lacked the strength to handle vehicle traffic.

After - Accredited Applicators Aryan & Ravs Property Services repaired the cracks to the substrate before applying the Dulux Avista Resurfacing Compound in Gunmetal with a Jet Black fleck.

Easy maintenance to prolong that ‘just poured’ look

Concrete coatings are easy to maintain, making it possible to keep them looking good for longer.

“A simple high pressure clean with water or a non-alkaline cleaner will help prevent dirt ingress and staining,” Chris says. “You can also re-apply a Dulux Avista General Purpose Sealer to maintain the colour and vibrancy of the finish and resist fading from UV exposure.”

Safety of a non-slip finish

Applied by spray, Dulux Avista Resurfacing Compound will achieve a slip rating of P5, the lowest slip risk in the Pendulum Test which measures the frictional resistance between a wet surface and a foot-shaped mass. By contrast, steel troweled concrete only achieves a slip rating of P1, representing a very high slip risk.

If you have a sloping driveway, you can ask your applicator to increase the slip rating further by adding Dulux Avista Slip Reducing Additive Powder to the final coat of Dulux Avista Concrete Sealer.

Before - A stained driveway looks out of place in front of a modern home.

After - D&J Concrete Resurfacing applied a tough new surface in Slate Grey with Black & White flecks.

Create a new look for your outdoor spaces

Concrete resurfacing opens up new design possibilities. Choose your base colour and add flecks in one or two other colours to mimic the look of pebble mix or exposed aggregate. Add concrete stencils to re-create the look of tiles and paving, or add patterns and edging for extra interest.

Far from being a temporary fix for cracked and worn driveways and hardscaping, the advanced technology in the Dulux Avista Resurfacing System delivers outstanding durability for good looks that go the distance.

Find out more

Check out our blog article on the Dulux Avista Resurfacing System.

Or contact us today so we can put you in touch with a Dulux Avista Accredited Applicator in your area. Our FAQs also include answers to common concrete resurfacing questions.